+Por.+ I take the boldness, in Octavio's absence, To return his with my most humble thanks, For your late generous assistance of us, And for this new addition to our debt. +Don A.+ Though I have not th' honour to be known t' you, The service of your sex in their distresses Is the first vow of those of our profession; And my constant friendship for Octavio Is of so old a date, that all occasions, By which I may express the fervour of it, Are most welcome to me. _Enter +Flora+ in great haste._ +Flo.+ O madam, I am cut of breath with running. +Por.+ What accident, Flora, brings you hither? +Flo.+ A sad one, madam, and requiring haste, To give you timely notice on't. Don Carlos, Assisted by the light o' th' rising moon, And by a mistake of some of your train, Has trac'd you to this house, and in my hearing Inform'd your brother of the place and manner Of your retreat: who is now coming hither Accompanied with the corregidor, To seize on whomsoever shall be found Within these walls, upon pretence of murder. +Por.+ O cruel accident! +Flo.+ Madam, make haste: get out of the backdoor, Or you will certainly be met with. +Por.+ How vile a creature am I now become! For, though in my own innocence secure, To the censorious world who, like false glasses, Mingling their own irregular figures, Misreflect the object, I shall appear Some sinful woman, sold to infamy. +Don A.+ Your own clear mind's the glass, which to yourself Reflects yourself; and, trust me, madam, W' are only happy then, when all our joys Flow from ourselves, not from the people's voice. +Flo.+ Madam, they'll instantly be here. +Por.+ O, that Octavio should just now be absent! But to expect till he return were madness. +Don A.+ Y' have reason, madam; and, if you dare trust Your person to the conduct of a stranger, Upon my honour, lady, I'll secure you, Or perish in th' attempt. +Por.+ Generous sir, how shall a wretched maid, Abandon'd by her fate to the pursuit Of an inhuman brother, e'er be able Either to merit or requite your favours? +Don A.+ I am th' oblig'd, if rightly understood, Being o'erpaid by th' joy of doing good. +Por.+ Sir, I resign myself to your protection With equal gratitude and confidence. +Don A.+ Come, madam, we must lose no time-- Diego, find out your master presently, And tell him that, the danger not allowing Our stay till his return, I shall convey His mistress safely to a nunnery. +Por.+ And, Flora, stay you here to bring me word What he resolves to do in this our desperate Condition. [_Exit +Diego+._ +Flo.+ Madam, I shall.